I can attract floating voters like Kufuor - Apraku suggests

Former Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr. Kofi Konadu Apraku, says he wants to be the flagbearer of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) because he can provide a crucial difference - that is, attracting floating voters.

"We don't have enough votes to win the elections ourselves so invariably, whoever is selected has to be the one who is capable of balancing and attracting floating voters"

Dr. Kofi Konadu Apraku made this analysis while declaring his bid to become the party's flagbearer when the NPP goes to the polls sometime this year.

Apraku made no bones about his intention since September 2013 when he first declared his intention. This will be his second attempt.

He got 19 votes in 2007, in a contest with 16 other presidential aspirants.

Furthering his analysis, Apraku told Joy News' Elton John Brobbey, the NPP traditionally attracted 40% to 44% of popular votes.

But, in view of the requirement of 50% plus 1, the party would need to attract floating voters to win power come the 2016 general elections.

He singled out former President John Agyekum Kufuor as a "master" at attracting such voters.

"Kufuor was a master at this, the horse-trading that he did with the CPP and other small parties, rallying all of them and projecting an image that people felt, allowed them to buy into the NPP".

President Kufuor became the first product of the NPP after he polled 56.90% in 2000 and 52.45% in his re-election bid.

The party under Nana Akufo-Addo has since managed 49.32% in 2008 and 47.74% in 2012.